Lutherans Manage Fire Relief Efforts in Southern California

Chicago (ELCA)-MR — Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), is managing relief efforts in response to wildfire in southern California.

"We are just beginning to know the needs of the disaster," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response. "The fires in southern California are still not under control, and more destruction and heartbreak are sure to come," he said.

The fires caused at least 18 deaths — 16 in California and two in Mexico — and destroyed at least 1,500 homes. "More than 500,000 acres have burned, about 780 square miles, roughly three-quarters the area of Rhode Island," said Furst.

In Claremont, Calif., an ELCA pastor's home was destroyed by fire, reported the Rev. Dean W. Nelson, bishop of the ELCA Southwest California Synod. There may be others in "our Lutheran community who have evacuated their homes or who have suffered loss," Nelson said.

Neighbors, friends and member of several ELCA congregations in Santa Clarita, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, California, face evacuation, Nelson added.

Other major areas are still being evacuated, Furst said. Andrea Muir, disaster response coordinator, Lutheran Disaster Response Southern California, evacuated when flames appeared across the street from her home, Furst reported.

Lutheran Disaster Response is managing this "unfolding disaster" through Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. It is also working with the ELCA Pacifica Synod and LCMS Pacific Southwest District, as well as with the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Church World Service.

It may take several days to bring the fires under control, Furst said. How long it will take to extinguish them is beyond speculation.

"The prayers of God's people are far more powerful than these roaring fires. Your prayers will sustain those who do not know if they will be returning to intact homes or piles of ashes, destroyed neighborhoods, lost treasured items. And, they will sustain firefighters and care providers, those who are responding, providing a helping hand and words of faith and encouragement," said Furst.

Monetary contributions will provide the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, cleanup provisions, long- term and unmet needs, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling, added Furst.

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds to aid survivors of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764

Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via Internet: www.elca.org/disaster